Finally, Finished Painting..Now???

Well, the exhibit is mounted...okay, it's in a jewelry store on our town square...not a fancy gallery, but it shows well, and there is a thing that our town does (very cool) called "First Friday", where the shops and businesses stay open on the first Friday of each month, and offer treats, and show their wares, or greet newcomers, etc....I am to bring some treats, and meet the people. I think it's a great way to get to know people, and to network.

This is a photo of Shadow, my favorite (well, one of my favorites) deer....we have about a dozen, whom we make sure get water and a bit of corn each morning and evening...there has been a terrible drought, and we have about two acres of land, part of which is woods, where they hang out. Anyway, Shadow likes to peek in my french doors, hoping to lure me out with corn. She figures, "first in line, first fed corn"...
When I was approached about doing the show, I began this, huge, 5'X3' painting, based on this photo...I silver-leafed the background, and then, gold-leafed the "dappled light" on the ground. I paint by doing an under painting (actually, learning as I go...I've never had any lessons), and I wanted to finish her for this exhibit. I decided that I wasn't going to rush it, as I want it to be just so, and I don't know if I will be able to part with it when it's done.


One of these days, I am going to take the time to sit down and read all that "stuff" they have that educates one about the ins and outs of the blogging world. With a little help from my new friends, I have (I think) mastered how to become a follower on a blog..Aside from brain surgery, I have managed to learn just about everything by reading about it...Well, there were classes, etc., but mostly, I just picked it up and taught myself. Only bad thing is it takes about ten times longer than to take a class or have someone teach you. For example, I have spent the last several hours, trying to put these photos up in the correct order...to heck with it...I'll just adjust the writing! (My husband calls me, "running with scissors Jess"). I do have a wonderful, patient, friend, who has helped me..thanks, Darlin'.

Here is the work in progress of Shadow...silver-leafed, and underpainted....I have been working on it in my dining room, where I have burgundy sheers, and when the sun shines in in the afternoon, the painting reflects as a rosy sunset. Trying to figure out the glazing to make it a permanent rose tint. I have glazed before, but once it's on silver-leaf, it's there...sneaking up on it.

The gold leaf is real gold...very expensive, but it really is more reflective than false gold leaf, often referred to as bronze gold leaf...The silver is not really silver, but called Dutch Metal...I couldn't afford real silver leaf.
Before silver or gold leafing, you need to put a coat of paint as an underpainting...this is called a "bole"...you have probably seen red or green bold under gold-leafed picture frames..those are the traditional colors used. I used acrylic, as it dries faster...I used yellow, so the image would feel more "light"... I have included photos of a painting that is in the show, called, "kimono"...it's not my favorite..more "decorative", but in the right setting, it could be quite striking. I silver-leafed the fan, and the veins on the leaves, and then, decided it needed to look less "stiff", so I went ahead and did more free-form silver-leaf on the trees, giving it a look of either snow or a blight (I am hoping people think snow).Ha

You can get adhesive size at hobby stores or art supply stores...or online. I recommend an art store, or on-line, as the hobby stores sell very small bottles, and it's expensive. I got mine at Jerry's Artarama in Austin. This can has lasted forever.

So, here are the materials you will need for gold, or silver leafing (I also silver leaf my floorcloths sometimes..also picture frames and wooden candlesticks...the sky is the limit..I don't recommend it for metal, but you can use it on decorative glass)

You need the sizing, some brushes, the leafing...It comes in "books", with paper tissue in between the leaf. I recommend putting a bit of baby powder or corn starch on your fingers, as the leaf sticks to everything. Also, a pair of scissors.

After you have painted on your bole, you paint on the sizing....I like to work with a light at one end of my surface, so I can see that I have entirely covered the area I want to leaf. Shadow was easier doing the large background, as I was a large surface. If I am doing detail work, such as the veins in the leaves, I used a fine brush. The size goes on milky, but becomes transparent as it dries. It depends on the humidity conditions as to how long it takes to become "set up"...some days, it takes an hour, and some very dry days (around here, every day is very dry), to become tacky. If it is a very large surface, I recommend testing it where you began, so as to start there, while the finished area sets up. I take my knuckle and press lightly on the surface; if it feels tacky, it's time to leaf.

I made the mistake of trying to silver-leaf the kimono on my kitchen island, under an air conditioning vent...I had a silver snow storm, so I had to turn the ac off (102 degrees) while I was working....Also, my "bole" on the leaves of the fan was oil paint, as I hadn't planned on leafing the entire thing...so, it probably still isn't dry. In fact, if you look at the photo below, you will see that I had to make a "tent", where I knew the paint was still damp, as I didn't want to get silver leaf there.

Don't be concerned that the bole shows through where the leaf cracks, or doesn't adhere..it's meant to be that way...it is the hallmark of leafing...otherwise, you might as well just paint on silver paint (never looks as good) or spray paint something...

I decided I didn't like the band on the fan, (I had painted it a contrasting color), so I silver-leafed it as well. When working with smaller areas, I cut the books of tissue - remember, the leaf is between pages of the tissue. It save leaf, and is easier to control. Also, don't try to just pick up the leaf itself, unless you are an expert. Many use a "water method", which is way over my head. Also, some use a brush to pick it up (static electricity)...I use the tissue...live and learn.These are the leaves when they were just veined...I didn't like them, so I dabbed sizing on, using a natural sea sponge from which I had torn a small, ragged piece, and dipped it in the sizing...I wanted a random look..edges and such, that are not easy to achieve with a brush. When laying down the leaf - the tissue won't stick, and you can rub the leaf under it...remember, where ever there is size, it sticks..it's there...get over it.

I often take a soft-bristled brush, and pounce it on the tissue, and then, pull the tissue away...

(still trying to find a use for all that tissue -collages?)

Let the leaf set up for awhile...if you try to get rid of the excess too early, it smears, gets gummy, not pretty...be patient. After about an hour or so, take a medium bristle brush, and brush in towards the center from the outside. The leaf will come off, leaving a real mess of silver leaf everywhere. I figured out a way to keep it from getting everywhere...as I was brushing the leaf, I had my vacuum in one hand, sucking up the excess. For real gold, I don't, as it is too expensive, and I leave the bit to be brushed gently into a little box for later..gold dust, don't you know?

I had silver-leaved the banding, veins, and most of the fan...I also gold-leafed the handle of the fan

It felt stiff...(also, silver-leafed the "rod")... Okay, I have photos out of order...when you scroll down, you will see a very early image of "Shadow", before I gold-leafed the dappled sunlight...

One cool thing...her eyes follow you across the room....

Here is the finished kimono...To me, it has more "character"...if you click on the photo, you will see the detailing...Remember, art is subjective.... "Foxes and Fireflies"...many have seen this one before...I learned to paint fur...not an easy thing..thank you Corot..

My first watercolor..at least the first I ever finished..."Gathering Desert Storm"

My first oil painting...(okay, the first I've finished...I can't tell you how many I've started and hated)..."DayDreaming"...Originally, I titled it "Dreaming of Miguel"...

This is "Splash"....hung it still wet...I hated it at first, but turned it upside down, and liked it much better....

That's it...that's the five not easy pieces....

Kelly....Yep, My New Follower

I am dumber than dirt...I don't know how to leave comments...I don't know how to "follow"...I just am phumpering through all this blogging stuff...

Kelly, thanks for being a follower..I love your blog, now, I need someone to hold my hand and tell me what to do with this thing, called "comments" and "followers".

I have one painting to finish...the lovely lady came to my home (I've been pretty isolated these past three years)..these things mean alot to me...anyway, the woman who is arranging my show (oil paintings and one watercolor) came and we hit it off right away...She likes my work, my floorcloths...and on the way out the door, noticed the earrings I was wearing..."I have a necklace that goes with those earrings", she said....I said, "I got these at the Goodwill"...She said, "I gave them to the Goodwill, because they were too heavy for me"...Small world...We had a good laugh over it..There was a time I would have been mortified over this..now, I just laugh.

Sheesh.

I hang the show on Friday..then, I'm taking a long nap.

Okay, here's the thing

I think I am pretty much burnt out on painting, but I have four more to finish before the woman, lovely woman...really ...who is coming to look at them on Tuesday comes to look at them...my house is a mess...I have been using gold and silver leaf on several paintings, and it's not going well....for one thing, the never do gold or silver leafing on your kitchen island while the air conditioner is pumping away (it's Texas, the air conditioner is always pumping away).......
There was gold and silver snow, wafting around my head, landing on the paintings where it wasn't welcome...I'd been doing glazing, and some of the glaze was still sticky enough that I was gold and silver leafing where it wasn't supposed to be.

Also, my cat, Raisenette Funicello Buttafucco, has taken to peeing in my bed at five am..ew...I think he has Kittyheimer...he is thirteen...thank God I caught him in the act, and swatted him away...it didn't get to the mattress, and so there I was, at five am, changing my sheets....

This is a rant, this isn't a blog, this is a tired, 61-year-old interior designer/artist, who has too much on her plate..(and I usually eat it, too), who is waiting for her husbands "trailer trash tuna casserole" to cool enough to put in the fridge, so he can take it to work...I am on Atkins, but I can't seem to cut out the wine.

Okay, enough...I am going to put the casserole in the fridge, the cat in the garage, the paintings back in the dining room/studio, and start again tomorrow.

sheesh.

Painting paintings..

I have a one-woman exhibit coming up - Sept. 1 deadline...will be back after that...
(if anyone is interested)...

Portfolio - New Construction and Renovations

Yesterday I was shopping in a department store in the Linens Department, when I overheard a gentleman speaking to a woman, whom I presumed was his mother. I wasn't deliberately eavesdropping, but as an Interior Designer, my ears perk up when I hear words such as "pick out colors" wafting through the air. I didn't want to pounce on them, but did see them again at the front of the store. I couldn't help myself; I introduced myself and asked if he was planning on doing some decorating. We spoke for a bit, and I gave him my card. He gave me his email address, and I promised to send him some information and visuals of my work.

I don't have a web site (working on that) so, I am putting part of my portfolio here....I will direct the gentleman to this site, and hope that he and his wife will take the time to puruse......
That was his mother ,by the way, and I shook her hand...sadly, she'd just had shoulder surgery..so sorry...I hope I didn't injure it further (and I hope ya'll enjoyed the movie).

So....I do it all - Renovations, new construction, Parade Homes, color consultations, window treatments, bedding, staging....you name it...

This mansion dated back to the very early 1800's...it is in a small town (Washington, LA), and my clients (who live in Wisconsin) bought it, renovated it, and sold it.... I flew down to Louisianna with the client's wife, and we had a great time...measuring, drawing floorplans, planning colors, for the interior and the exterior...We got there during Mardi Gras, and experienced our "mini Mardi Gras... This is the house now....such a difference...such a wonderful home. I am so pleased when these old "beauties" are rescued from the ashes, to rise up like the Phoenix...A little over three years ago, my husband and I left the frozen tundra of Wisconsin, and have settled in the drought-stricken, triple-digits temps of Texas...we love it...but, we are ready for some rain, thankyou very much.

In Wisconsin, I specialized in new construction; wherein premier builders would purchase blocks of my time, and give it to thier clients....I would help them by guiding them through the building process, which can be quite daunting - from the ground up...every exterior surface, along with every interior surface, lighting, space planning, colors, and keeping them within budget, and on the builder's timeline....I loved it...

I also did 12 Parade homes, which I liken to bearing 12 children....designing a home from the ground up, and then decorating it, utilizing furniture vendors, rug vendors, window treatments, (I did those myself), accessories, art, floral arrangements...everything - within a three- month period..then, sadly tearing it all out. That said, many of the homes were pre-purchased, and I worked with the owners, who often kept pretty much everything in the homes...which was great for everyone concerned.

I have done many bath renovations, and this one is one that was done on a shoestring budget...I am always budget concious, no matter what. Beadboard is our friend...it covers a myriad of sins, and is fresh and stylish in just about any style of home.

Okay, here are the afters...the befores follow...still working on my posting photos skills.

There wasn't room in the budget for a new toilet or tub...I am not a fan of blue toilets, but we made it work....The floor is laminate tiles, laid over very outdated ceramic tile...By putting a pretty, white shower curtain up...the blue tub and shower disappear.

Lighting was replaced, beadboard put up, a Home Depot inexpesive vanity and sick, along with pretty, fresh chrome fixtures, brought this horribly gone wrong, out-of-date bathroom back to life.

I do faux finishes and specialty painting...This was a powder room in a Parade Home; which was pre-sold...The owners loved bold statements, and this was a hit...

I love powder rooms that look like little jewel boxes...chandeliers, sparkle, and sophistication...

I like to use vanitys that either look like antique furniture or pieces of furniture that can be retrofitted.....

Once again, I apologize for my posting photo skills...still learning this stuff...This bedroom was for a Parade client, who wanted a "Barbara Barry" sleek look...I love the furniture, and in order to tie the master bedroom into the master bath, I painted this pearlized glaze stripe, that ran from the bedroom into the bath...the photo of which is not the one below, but the one after..sorry....sheesh.

This is the bathroom photo that goes with the master bedroom...very sleek, ...This bathroom was another Parade home, purchased by gentleman, who wanted strong colors.

I "floated" the vanity, to make the already spacious room appear even more so...The incredible shower is reflected in the mirrorConversely, this bathroom was designed by me for a beautiful blonde woman...Very soothing, very "Grace Kelly"...

This Parade (I am noticing that most of my Parades were pre-purchased) was purchased by a woman, who was moving her family to accomodate her hit the ground running career change/challenge...she pretty much bought everything...window treatments, art, furniture, rugs...we loved her.

This little girl wanted a pink bedroom (what little girl doesn't) well, my grandaughter wanted red..but that's another story...

This bedroom renovation is one of my Texas jobs...the room was emptied, a wonderful "Candice Olsen" tufted headboard brought in...Selected the colors, fabrics, made the window treatments,

and the pillows... I like to use swing arm lamps for those who read in bed..very stylish, and functional.

This Parade was not pre sold, but when it opened to the public, it was snapped up, as is, the first day...I wanted the oval, tray ceiliing to feel like the inside of a seashell..it did.... I made the window treatments - I like to do "banding"..combining color, texture, expensive fabrics, combined with inexpensive....always thinking about budgets...

This home was not a Parade home, but I did do it from the ground up..designed the fireplace, the window treatments, and even did the glazing on the walls (those days of glazing 1000 square feet of walls are over)...

In fact, the home was featured in Madison Magazine...It was a centerfold piece. Told my husband I had always wanted to be a "centerfold" model, but didn't dream it would be as a house!

I may have the pages out- of -order....just click on the image to enlarge the text

Okay, you are probably tiring by now...so, I will spare you the explainations from here out...more kitchens, more everything, some repeated, but detailed.....Just keep in mind that everything was designed and selected by moi...and moi alone!!!

Believe it or not, this is just a portion of my portfolio...we are all too tired to look at it all at once..I am going to go take a nap now....